Dr. Alexander Papanastassiou, assistant professor, Department of Neurosurgery, UT Health San Antonio, specializes in general neurosurgery and surgery for epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia and movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Amy Sakalad, director of research operations for the Glenn Biggs Institute and Hector Trevino, clinical research project manager, Biggs Institute and coordinator of the deep brain stimulation for Alzheimer’s research study talked with Caregiver Sos on Air cohost attorney and veteran broadcaster Ron Aaron about the latest on an innovative surgical treatment for Alzheimer's and other memory loss. (Cohost Carol Zernial was on special assignment.)

Dr. Alexander Papanastassiou, assistant professor, Department of Neurosurgery, UT Health San Antonio, specializes in general neurosurgery and surgery for epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia and movement disorders, including Parkinson&rsquo;s disease. Amy Sakalad, director of research operations for the Glenn Biggs Institute and Hector Trevino, clinical research project manager, Biggs Institute and coordinator of the deep brain stimulation for Alzheimer&rsquo;s research study talked with Caregiver Sos on Air cohost attorney and veteran broadcaster Ron Aaron about the latest on an innovative surgical treatment for Alzheimer's and other memory loss. (Cohost Carol Zernial was on special assignment.)

Hear Caregiver SOS every Sunday at 6pm on News Ta…

Caregiver SOS

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Latest on an innovative surgical treatment for Alzheimer's and other memory loss with Dr. Papanastassiou

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, guest host Tina Smith and co-host Ron Aaron are joined by Dr. Ethelle Lorde, founding president of the International Caregivers Association. Drawing from her background in counseling, organizational leadership, and her 21 years as a primary caregiver for her late husband, Dr. Lorde offers a fresh, compassionate perspective on supporting loved ones living with dementia.

Together, they explore why communication is the foundational challenge in dementia care and why traditional strategies like "redirection" often fall short. Dr. Lorde breaks down the psychology of the dementia brain, explaining how caregivers—both family members and healthcare professionals—can drop ineffective methods, build authentic connections, and reset difficult moments to drastically improve quality of life.

Key Topics Discussed


The Communication Priority: Why communication is the single most critical hurdle to master before addressing other aspects of dementia care.


Moving Beyond Redirection: Why traditional redirection can feel offensive or confusing to someone with dementia, and why authenticity and agreement build deeper trust.


Understanding Vascular Dementia: How vascular factors play a role in cognitive decline and how routines help provide structure for both the individual and the caregiver.


"Resetting the Brain": Real-world examples of how validating a person’s reality, rather than arguing or interrupting, can lower anxiety and de-escalate challenging behavior.


Connecting Through History & Hobbies: How drawing on a person's life work, deep-seated habits, and favorite music can engage someone even when they become non-verbal.


Training Healthcare Professionals: The importance of equipping frontline workers and organizations with specialized dementia communication techniques to create a more supportive care environment.

Key Takeaways for Caregivers


Follow Before You Lead: Never interrupt or force a logic-based reality. Meet the person in their current state of mind, validate their feelings, and agree with their perspective to help calm their central nervous system.


Be Authentic, Not Deceptive: Redirection often relies on distraction or untruths, which can be exhausting for caregivers and disrespectful to care recipients. Authentic engagement builds trust.


Leverage Lifelong Memories & Music: Tap into deep-seated interests—such as past professions, favorite games, or familiar music—to maintain connections and slow down cognitive frustration.


Maintain Consistent Routines: Establishing steady daily habits around sleeping, meals, and activities gives both the caregiver and the care recipient a predictable, reassuring daily rhythm.

Resource Mentioned: To learn more about Dr. Ethelle Lorde’s work and caregiver resources, visit ICA Cares.

About Dr. Lorde

Dr. Éthelle Lorde is the founding president of the International Caregivers Association LLC (ICA). She earned a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Maine at Orono in 1992 and her Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix in 2010. She is an author, a professor, and a keynote speaker. Dr. Lorde was married to the late Major Larry S. Potter, who was officially diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2000. She shares that she has 21 years of experience as a “pack leader” for her husband. As a family caregiver, she realized early on that there is an urgent need for a change in the way dementia care is delivered. She created the Transactional Dementia Intelligence Model, a systemic approach to dementia care. Her latest book is “Alzheimer and Dementia Coaching: Taking a Systems Approach to Creating an Alzheimer/Dementia-Friendly Healthcare Workforce” is in its 3rd edition; with her

1st Alzheimer’s primer entitled “How in the World…and Now What Do I Do?” has been referred to an Alzheimer’s Bible.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, guest host Tina Smith and co-host Ron Aaron are joined by Dr. Ethelle Lorde, founding president of the International Caregivers Association. Drawing from her background in counseling, organizational leadership, and her 21 years as a primary caregiver for her late husband, Dr. Lorde offers a fresh, compassionate perspective on supporting loved ones living with dementia.
Together, they explore why communication is the foundational challenge in dementia care and why traditional strategies like "redirection" often fall short. Dr. Lorde breaks down the psychology of the dementia brain, explaining how caregivers&mdash;both family members and healthcare professionals&mdash;can drop ineffective methods, build authentic connections, and reset difficult moments to drastically improve quality of life.
Key Topics Discussed
<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
The Communication Priority: Why communication is the single most critical hurdle to master before addressing other aspects of dementia care.
</li>
<li>
Moving Beyond Redirection: Why traditional redirection can feel offensive or confusing to someone with dementia, and why authenticity and agreement build deeper trust.
</li>
<li>
Understanding Vascular Dementia: How vascular factors play a role in cognitive decline and how routines help provide structure for both the individual and the caregiver.
</li>
<li>
"Resetting the Brain": Real-world examples of how validating a person&rsquo;s reality, rather than arguing or interrupting, can lower anxiety and de-escalate challenging behavior.
</li>
<li>
Connecting Through History &amp; Hobbies: How drawing on a person's life work, deep-seated habits, and favorite music can engage someone even when they become non-verbal.
</li>
<li>
Training Healthcare Professionals: The importance of equipping frontline workers and organizations with specialized dementia communication techniques to create a more supportive care environment.
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways for Caregivers
<ol data-path-to-node="10">
<li>
Follow Before You Lead: Never interrupt or force a logic-based reality. Meet the person in their current state of mind, validate their feelings, and agree with their perspective to help calm their central nervous system.
</li>
<li>
Be Authentic, Not Deceptive: Redirection often relies on distraction or untruths, which can be exhausting for caregivers and disrespectful to care recipients. Authentic engagement builds trust.
</li>
<li>
Leverage Lifelong Memories &amp; Music: Tap into deep-seated interests&mdash;such as past professions, favorite games, or familiar music&mdash;to maintain connections and slow down cognitive frustration.
</li>
<li>
Maintain Consistent Routines: Establishing steady daily habits around sleeping, meals, and activities gives both the caregiver and the care recipient a predictable, reassuring daily rhythm.
</li>
</ol>
Resource Mentioned: To learn more about Dr. Ethelle Lorde&rsquo;s work and caregiver resources, visit <a href="https://www.icacares.com/" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwixlfyCu_aVAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQUw">ICA Cares</a>.
About Dr. Lorde
Dr. &Eacute;thelle Lorde is the founding president of the International Caregivers Association LLC (ICA). She earned a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Maine at Orono in 1992 and her Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix in 2010. She is an author, a professor, and a keynote speaker. Dr. Lorde was married to the late Major Larry S. Potter, who was officially diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2000. She shares that she has 21 years of experience as a &ldquo;pack leader&rdquo; for her husband. As a family caregiver, she realized early on that there is an urgent need for a change in the way dementia care is delivered. She created the Transactional Dementia Intelligence Model, a systemic approach to dementia care. Her latest book is &ldquo;Alzheimer and Dementia Coaching: Taking a Systems Approach to Creating an Alzheimer/Dementia-Friendly Healthcare Workforce&rdquo; is in its 3rd edition; with her
1st Alzheimer&rsquo;s primer entitled &ldquo;How in the World&hellip;and Now What Do I Do?&rdquo; has been referred to an Alzheimer&rsquo;s Bible.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Language of Care: Rethinking Dementia Communication | Dr. Lorde

Here is a detailed episode description for the episode:

Prevention is the Best Medicine: Daily Habits for Healthy FeetEpisode Summary

With summer heatwaves sweeping the country, caring for our feet is more critical—and more complicated—than ever. In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, host Ron Aaron is joined by certified wound specialist physician Dr. Allison Larkin to discuss practical, everyday strategies for avoiding foot injuries, chronic wounds, and serious complications.

From the hidden dangers of walking barefoot on scorching surfaces to the unexpected items hiding inside your footwear, Dr. Larkin breaks down why wound care is often misunderstood and how simple, budget-friendly daily habits can keep you—and those you care for—out of the wound clinic. Whether you are managing diabetes, helping an aging loved one with daily hygiene, or just trying to navigate the summer heat safely, this episode delivers essential guidance to protect your health from the ground up.

Key Takeaways & Highlights


The Three Pillars of Preventative Foot Care: Dr. Larkin outlines the fundamental elements of long-term foot health: good hygiene, supportive shoes, and consistent monitoring.


The Summer Barefoot Trap: Walking barefoot outdoors during extreme heat—even for a quick trip across the pool deck—can lead to severe, slow-healing burns on the soles of your feet.


Safe Daily Hygiene Practices: Learn the right way to wash and thoroughly dry your feet (especially between the toes) to prevent blisters, fungal infections, and skin breakdown. Plus, discover why plain moisturizers like Vaseline, CeraVe, or Aquaphor work best, and why you should never put moisturizer between your toes.


Proper Nail Care & Pedicure Rules: Discover the proper technique for trimming toenails straight across to prevent painful ingrown nails. Dr. Larkin warns against using sharp objects like toothpicks under nails and shares important precautions for individuals with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease.


Footwear Essentials: Get expert tips on choosing shoes with a wide toe box and thick, flexible soles. Learn why you should always shop for shoes in the afternoon, break new pairs in slowly, and shake your shoes out before putting them on.


Basic Wound First Aid: Understand why wounds actually heal faster and stay safer when kept clean, slightly moist, and covered—debunking the common myth that "airing out" a wound is best.

About Dr. Larkin

Dr. Allyson Larkin earned her BA Magna Cum Laude in Zoology from Iowa State University and her Medical Degree with honors from Texas A&M University College of Medicine. She is board certified in Family Medicine and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine and is a Certified Wound Specialist Physician. Her specialty is healing chronic and complicated wounds, which she enjoys because it requires great attention to detail.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Here is a detailed episode description for the episode:
Prevention is the Best Medicine: Daily Habits for Healthy FeetEpisode Summary
With summer heatwaves sweeping the country, caring for our feet is more critical&mdash;and more complicated&mdash;than ever. In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, host Ron Aaron is joined by certified wound specialist physician Dr. Allison Larkin to discuss practical, everyday strategies for avoiding foot injuries, chronic wounds, and serious complications.
From the hidden dangers of walking barefoot on scorching surfaces to the unexpected items hiding inside your footwear, Dr. Larkin breaks down why wound care is often misunderstood and how simple, budget-friendly daily habits can keep you&mdash;and those you care for&mdash;out of the wound clinic. Whether you are managing diabetes, helping an aging loved one with daily hygiene, or just trying to navigate the summer heat safely, this episode delivers essential guidance to protect your health from the ground up.
Key Takeaways &amp; Highlights
<ul data-path-to-node="8">
<li>
The Three Pillars of Preventative Foot Care: Dr. Larkin outlines the fundamental elements of long-term foot health: good hygiene, supportive shoes, and consistent monitoring.
</li>
<li>
The Summer Barefoot Trap: Walking barefoot outdoors during extreme heat&mdash;even for a quick trip across the pool deck&mdash;can lead to severe, slow-healing burns on the soles of your feet.
</li>
<li>
Safe Daily Hygiene Practices: Learn the right way to wash and thoroughly dry your feet (especially between the toes) to prevent blisters, fungal infections, and skin breakdown. Plus, discover why plain moisturizers like Vaseline, CeraVe, or Aquaphor work best, and why you should never put moisturizer between your toes.
</li>
<li>
Proper Nail Care &amp; Pedicure Rules: Discover the proper technique for trimming toenails straight across to prevent painful ingrown nails. Dr. Larkin warns against using sharp objects like toothpicks under nails and shares important precautions for individuals with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease.
</li>
<li>
Footwear Essentials: Get expert tips on choosing shoes with a wide toe box and thick, flexible soles. Learn why you should always shop for shoes in the afternoon, break new pairs in slowly, and shake your shoes out before putting them on.
</li>
<li>
Basic Wound First Aid: Understand why wounds actually heal faster and stay safer when kept clean, slightly moist, and covered&mdash;debunking the common myth that "airing out" a wound is best.
</li>
</ul>
About Dr. Larkin
Dr. Allyson Larkin earned her BA Magna Cum Laude in Zoology from Iowa State University and her Medical Degree with honors from Texas A&amp;M University College of Medicine. She is board certified in Family Medicine and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine and is a Certified Wound Specialist Physician. Her specialty is healing chronic and complicated wounds, which she enjoys because it requires great attention to detail.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Prevention is the Best Medicine: Daily Habits for Healthy Feet | Allyson Larkin

In this episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, host Ron Aaron is joined by comedian, author, speaker, and educator Danny Klein-Modisett, founder of Laughter On Call. Danny shares her journey of navigating her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and how an unexpected moment of humor transformed her approach to caregiving, leading to the creation of an organization that brings comic relief and connection to seniors, family members, and professional caregivers nationwide.

Main Topics Covered


The Origin of Laughter On Call: How hiring a comedian to engage her mother led Danny to discover the profound impact of laughter on cognition, mood, and trust.


The Science and Benefits of Laughter: How shared humor releases endorphins and dopamine, boosts oxygen intake, improves memory retention, and helps break down the sense of isolation often felt by those with dementia.


Affiliative Humor vs. Misuse of Humor: Why inclusive, warm, and bonding humor builds psychological safety, whereas mockery or sarcasm shuts people down.


Improv & Stand-Up Tools for Caregivers: How adopting a comedian’s mindset—learning to "reset" after a bad moment, letting go of rigid expectations, and avoiding argument through "Yes, and..." principles—prevents caregiver burnout.


Connecting Through Virtual & Corporate Programs: How Laughter On Call expanded during the pandemic to offer interactive virtual workshops, corporate team-building, and workplace morale-boosting.

Key Takeaways for Caregivers


Laughter Builds Instant Trust: A single moment of shared, authentic laughter can lower defenses, build psychological safety, and foster trust between care recipients and caregivers.


Practice the Art of the "Reset": Just like a stand-up comic who recovers after a joke flops, caregivers can benefit from letting go of rigid schedules and quickly resetting when things don't go according to plan.


Meet Them Where They Are: "Knowing your audience" in caregiving means accepting the individual’s current reality rather than trying to correct them or pull them into yours.


Showing Up Matters: Showing up with reasonable expectations and self-care directly impacts the care recipient’s well-being and helps mitigate caregiver depression.

About Dani

Dani Klein Modisett is the Founder/CEO of Laughter On Call. She is also a comedian/actor and author of the book, “ Take My Spouse, Please. ” a part-memoir, part how-to for creating shared laughter to keep your marriage happy and healthy. Dani taught Stand-Up at UCLA for 10 years and has coached keynote speakers, business leaders, and Congressional candidates to use more humor in their communication. She has been a speaker at CALA, ICAA, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, UCLA, Dartmouth, Fuqua and Harvard Business School where Laughter On Call is currently being used as a case study. Her TEDx talk was chosen as an Editor’s Pick, “What My Mother’s Alzheimer’s Taught Me About Alzheimer’s"

Resources Mentioned


Laughter On Call:laughteroncall.com


Danny Klein-Modisett:kleincomedy.com

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

In this episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, host Ron Aaron is joined by comedian, author, speaker, and educator Danny Klein-Modisett, founder of Laughter On Call. Danny shares her journey of navigating her mother&rsquo;s Alzheimer&rsquo;s diagnosis and how an unexpected moment of humor transformed her approach to caregiving, leading to the creation of an organization that brings comic relief and connection to seniors, family members, and professional caregivers nationwide.
Main Topics Covered
<ul data-path-to-node="6">
<li>
The Origin of Laughter On Call: How hiring a comedian to engage her mother led Danny to discover the profound impact of laughter on cognition, mood, and trust.
</li>
<li>
The Science and Benefits of Laughter: How shared humor releases endorphins and dopamine, boosts oxygen intake, improves memory retention, and helps break down the sense of isolation often felt by those with dementia.
</li>
<li>
Affiliative Humor vs. Misuse of Humor: Why inclusive, warm, and bonding humor builds psychological safety, whereas mockery or sarcasm shuts people down.
</li>
<li>
Improv &amp; Stand-Up Tools for Caregivers: How adopting a comedian&rsquo;s mindset&mdash;learning to "reset" after a bad moment, letting go of rigid expectations, and avoiding argument through "Yes, and..." principles&mdash;prevents caregiver burnout.
</li>
<li>
Connecting Through Virtual &amp; Corporate Programs: How Laughter On Call expanded during the pandemic to offer interactive virtual workshops, corporate team-building, and workplace morale-boosting.
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways for Caregivers
<ol data-path-to-node="9">
<li>
Laughter Builds Instant Trust: A single moment of shared, authentic laughter can lower defenses, build psychological safety, and foster trust between care recipients and caregivers.
</li>
<li>
Practice the Art of the "Reset": Just like a stand-up comic who recovers after a joke flops, caregivers can benefit from letting go of rigid schedules and quickly resetting when things don't go according to plan.
</li>
<li>
Meet Them Where They Are: "Knowing your audience" in caregiving means accepting the individual&rsquo;s current reality rather than trying to correct them or pull them into yours.
</li>
<li>
Showing Up Matters: Showing up with reasonable expectations and self-care directly impacts the care recipient&rsquo;s well-being and helps mitigate caregiver depression.
</li>
</ol>
About Dani
Dani Klein Modisett is the Founder/CEO of Laughter On Call. She is also a comedian/actor and author of the book, &ldquo; Take My Spouse, Please. &rdquo; a part-memoir, part how-to for creating shared laughter to keep your marriage happy and healthy. Dani taught Stand-Up at UCLA for 10 years and has coached keynote speakers, business leaders, and Congressional candidates to use more humor in their communication. She has been a speaker at CALA, ICAA, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, UCLA, Dartmouth, Fuqua and Harvard Business School where Laughter On Call is currently being used as a case study. Her TEDx talk was chosen as an Editor&rsquo;s Pick, &ldquo;What My Mother&rsquo;s Alzheimer&rsquo;s Taught Me About Alzheimer&rsquo;s"
Resources Mentioned
<ul data-path-to-node="12">
<li>
Laughter On Call: <a href="https://www.laughteroncall.com/" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwiBgML2jfaVAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQhAI">laughteroncall.com</a>
</li>
<li>
Danny Klein-Modisett: <a href="https://www.kleincomedy.com/" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwiBgML2jfaVAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQhgI">kleincomedy.com</a>
</li>
</ul>
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Latest on an innovative surgical treatment for Alzheimer's and other memory loss with Dr. Papanastassiou

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